By nightfall, a rainbow of vibrant colors infuses its' sunsets and the island comes alive with its' exciting nightlife and balmy evenings.

Mexico is a Tropical Paradise at its' finest!

American Heritage Dictionary defines Cancun as follows:

Can-cun: An island community of southeast Mexicooff the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is a popular Caribbean resortPopulation: 33,273.

Here are my more definitive reflections on paradise.

My impressions of Cancun, Playa, and the Riviera Maya:

Ellyn's definition of Paradise: walking along exquisite beaches, gazing at glorious sunsets, turquoise aqua-teal seafoam colours of the Caribbean Sea, lovin' the exciting nightlife, having all I can eat and drink at an all-inclusive resort, sitting in the wet zone at an authentic Bullfight, exploring Xcaret, diving in a coral reef, spending a day at a soothing spa, enjoying a relaxing massage on the beach under the blissful shade of a swaying palm, exploring a deep azure cenote, drinking Dos Equis XX Beer, taking the ferry to Cozumel, feeling a balmy breeze on my face, dancing at CoCo Bongo or La Boom all night long, drinking in the lobby bar of the Iberostar with friends, swimming with dolphins, climbing to the top of the pyramid at Chichen Itza, meeting up at the Deli-Mart, watching a folkloric performance, eating tacos al pastor, enjoying sidewalk entertainers in Playa, parasailing, playing at a championship golf course in Playacar, exploring historic archeological sites and Mayan Ruins, getting a green light at the airport, dining on spectacular international cuisine, visiting Hekab Be Biblioteca, a charming one-room library/schoolhouse in Akumal and meeting Carlos and the children, dancing to Soca music, eating at La Habichuela, buying from the beach vendors with their brightly colored wares, drinking Don Julio Tequila, strolling quaint 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen and stopping at every Cantina, having dinner at Las Mañanitas, eating the best Guacamole ever, visiting Tres Rios, exploring jungle lagoons, listening to a traditional strolling Mariachi Band, lunching at Lol-Ha in Akumal, shopping at Harrisons and buying Larimar jewelry, catching a glimpse of a howler monkey, flamingo, or peacock while walking the resort grounds, getting a henna tattoo and hair braids at my age, shopping at Kukulcan Plaza, strolling through craft-filled open air marketplaces and buying straw hats, silver jewelry, and serapes, seeing huge Iquanas at Zona Arqueological El Rey, buying a teal colored bottle of Cancun Cologne in the Shell scent, basking in an oversized hot-tub, riding a Collectivo, buying a shirt at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, bird-watching, exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, eating fish tacos or the ice cream at Lucy's in Akumal, getting up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise, taking a Pirate Cruise, spending a day at the historic city of Tulum and standing on a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach, scuba diving, visiting Crococun, drinking frosty cold salt-rimmed Margaritas, listening to Vengaboys tunes by the pool, enjoying a day at beautiful Xel-Ha, visiting the Xaman-Ha Aviary in Playa, snorkeling, dining in gourmet restaurants, taking a siesta in a thatched palapa, swinging in a hand knotted hammock, visiting Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, discovering Isla Mujeres, hearing the sweet swaying of palm trees, exploring the ruins at Coba, listening to salsa music, shopping at Mercado 28 and the even more adventurous Mercado 23 with its' open-air meat markets, driving a wave runner, driving south of PDC and exploring beaches, cenotes, and cities, being a part of MTV Spring Break, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil Laguna de Nichupte, Senor Frogs' and their world famous water slide, visiting ecological reserves and natural aquariums, sipping a chilled Corona with a lime, sitting in a jacuzzi, taking a lobster cruise, making footprints in the white powdery sand, dancing at Dady Rock, having a hilarious evening while dining at Perico's, renting jet-skis, shootin' tequila slammers, gazing at lush red tropical Hibiscus and Bougainvillea, watching iguanas sunning atop the ruins, enjoying the scent of coconut and cocoa butter suntan lotion wafting in the air, playing tequila volleyball, driving a thunder boat, listening to a Marimba band, eating warm tortillas, enjoying the sea turtle release program, and riding the wild and wacky Peso Bus. And my favorite thing of all ~ re-experiencing my pleasures by writing in my journal at the end of a glorious day in paradise

I have several Trip Report Web Pages with music and pictures as well as an online photo album that you can explore.

Unofficial Barceló Maya Forum ~ Message BoardThe place to go to ask questions about the Barceló Maya Beach/Garden and Tropical/Colonial Resorts in the beautiful Riviera Maya in Mexico. A very nice board with friendly helpful Barcelónites!

Cancun VideosGrey Todd of Cancun Valet provides these short videos taken from locations all over Cancun!

Caribbean ColorsTropical Themed Watercolor PaintingsOriginals, prints, and note cards from Barry Launius, a 'visionary with a paintbrush'. Barry captures the serenity and flavor of the Caribbean with a pastel palette and a gentle touch.

Cancuncare ~ Bringing you closer to Paradise!
Cancuncare is an information resource for vacationers to Cancun with a friendly message board. Steve and Jannet in England host this fascinating Cancun Web Site with beautiful pictures and useful information.

Web's Best Travel Stories of the Mayan RivieraWritten by travelers, for travelers, this book is a collection of trip reports, travel stories and hotel reviews culled from the Internet.Now comes my shameless plug: One of my trip reports is included and is on page 108 and the title page on Cancun features my personal reflections!

Playa Del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya (a complete guide).
Written by Joshua Eden Hinsdale, this book is part of the Great Destinations Series and is well researched, well written, and contains a forward by Sammy Hagar.I am honored to be included in this very popular Travel Guide. My ramblings take up the entire page number 221, by the way.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville"As far away from the real world as you can get in a restaurant. Step inside and you're reminded of swaying palm trees, sea adventures, and beautiful beaches." Kewl clothes for sale, too.

CoCo Bongo House of Rock & PopThe coolest club in Cancun!Hi-tech sound system, special effects, mega movie screens, multi-level interior, jugglers, and acrobatic aerial acts, make this a most unique experience.